Central Serous Chorioretinopathy (CSR)

Central serous chorioretinopathy is a retinal condition in which fluid develops underneath the retina and detaches a small portion of the macula. The fluid is thought to come from the choroid, the layer of blood vessels beneath the retina. Normally, a tissue layer which sits between the retina and the choroid is responsible for preventing fluid from leaking under the retina. For unknown reasons, small areas of this tissue layer can become defective, causing the fluid to build up. This can occur in one or both eyes.

Symptoms may include:

Distorted central vision

Blurred vision

Blind spot in central vision

Central serous chorioretinopathy affects men greater than women between the ages of 25-45. Stress is thought to play a contributing role and studies show that people with “Type A” personalities, those who tend to be more stressed and anxious, are more likely to develop central serous chorioretinopathy. Corticosteroid use, high blood pressure, pregnancy, antihistamine use, and excessive alcohol use may also contribute to this retina disease.

A dilated comprehensive eye exam is necessary to diagnose central serous chorioretinopathy. In addition, our retina specialists will do special imaging tests such as fluorescein angiogram and optical coherence tomography (OCT). These tests help monitor the disease over time and note any changes that occur.

Central serous chorioretinopathy often resolves by itself without treatment over 3-6 months. If the abnormal fluid doesn’t go away, laser treatment or photodynamic therapy (PDT) may be used to stop the leakage. In most cases, vision returns to near normal levels.